3S Jowell Combay has chosen Tennessee over South Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Additionally, he had offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, and other schools.

Jowell Combay Chooses Tennessee Over SEC Powerhouses in Major Recruiting Win

The 2026 recruiting cycle has already delivered plenty of excitement, and one of the most notable commitments belongs to Jowell Combay, a talented three-star safety out of Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia. On July 9, Combay officially announced his decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers football program, opting to commit to Tennessee over several prestigious programs including Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, and Wisconsin. His decision marks a significant victory for Tennessee and adds a promising talent to their defensive backfield.

Jowell Combay is a highly versatile defensive back known for his size, athleticism, and instinctive play. Standing around 6 feet 2 inches and weighing close to 200 pounds, Combay offers a rare blend of physicality and speed that makes him a formidable presence in the secondary. He has displayed impressive skills both as a safety and a cornerback, demonstrating range, tackling ability, and ball skills that have drawn attention from major programs across the country.

During his junior year at Kell High School, Combay showcased his all-around football ability by recording 93 tackles, including multiple tackles for loss, interceptions, and several pass breakups. His talent isn’t limited to defense — he’s also contributed on offense with over 370 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns, further proving his athleticism and football IQ.

Rated as a 3-star recruit by several recruiting services, Combay is often ranked among the top safeties in the nation and among the best prospects in the talent-rich state of Georgia.

The recruitment of Jowell Combay was fiercely competitive, with a host of Power 5 programs vying for his commitment. His final list included an impressive mix of Southeastern Conference schools such as Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, as well as programs outside the SEC like Wisconsin and Kansas.

Each program made strong pitches, with Tennessee standing out due to its consistent communication, culture, and the chance for early playing time. Coaches from Tennessee, including head coach Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks, worked closely with Combay and made a compelling case that clearly resonated with the young athlete.

Several factors contributed to Combay’s decision to commit to Tennessee. A central theme throughout his recruitment was the connection he built with the coaching staff and his belief in the program’s culture. He spoke highly of the staff’s consistency and the environment they fostered:

Combay also valued the opportunity to contribute early on. Tennessee’s defensive staff assured him that his skill set and football intelligence would allow him to compete for meaningful playing time right away, something not every recruit can expect at highly competitive SEC programs. That promise, combined with a scheme that fits his style of play, made Tennessee a natural choice.

Additionally, Combay’s relationship with fellow Kell High teammate Brayden Rouse, who also committed to Tennessee, helped reinforce the comfort and sense of community he would find in Knoxville.

For Tennessee, landing Jowell Combay is a significant boost to an already promising recruiting class. His addition strengthens the secondary and provides the Volunteers with a versatile player who can contribute in multiple defensive roles. Tennessee’s 2026 class now boasts a growing reputation for talent and depth, and Combay’s commitment underscores the program’s ability to attract top regional talent even in the face of competition from some of college football’s elite programs.

From a broader perspective, Combay’s choice is a reminder of the shifting recruiting dynamics in the SEC. Programs like Tennessee are showing they can successfully compete for and secure top in-state and regional prospects, which will have ripple effects in future recruiting battles.

As Combay prepares to make the transition to college football, expectations are high. Tennessee coaches believe his physical tools, work ethic, and football instincts will allow him to contribute early in his collegiate career. He is expected to enroll early and participate in spring practice, giving him the best chance to adapt to the speed and complexity of the college game.

With his commitment, Jowell Combay not only takes a big step toward his dream of playing Division I football at a high level but also adds valuable talent to the Tennessee Volunteers’ defense. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this promising safety develops and contributes in the coming years.

If you want, I can also draft a follow-up piece focusing on Combay’s transition to college, his first spring practice, or how his presence influences Tennessee’s defensive outlook. Just let me know!

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